AN INSPECTOR CALLS

HOLD tight on this one. Five more bedrooms are being added to Lewinnick Lodge and they’ll occupy one of the prime coastal spots anywhere in the country, perched on top of a rocky headland with views of the mighty Atlantic ocean and across to Newquay’s famous Fistral Beach.

For now there are 11 rooms, half of which have those thrilling views. We’re in Number Two, which is big, with a bathroom cleverly tucked behind a low wall, complete with slipper bath, walk-in shower, double basins and Cornish slate everywhere.

Binoculars sit on the window sill; a few tasteful prints hang on the grey walls; there’s a jar of homemade cookies; Mary Wesley’s Part Of The Scenery tribute to the West Country.

The general vibe is upbeat. Chic surfers seem to love it just as much as OAPs on a jolly. Certainly, there’s nothing stuffy about the bar and restaurant areas, where there’s a pool table, telly and plenty of space to stare out of the window and ponder. Food is uncomplicated and good value. My scampi (prawn and monk fish) comes in at £10.50, my wife’s delicious seafood pasta is £15. We just wish the lights could be dimmed.

In the morning, we walk to the top of the headland and are nearly blown into the sea.

At breakfast, the ‘100 per cent freshly squeezed orange juice’ is nothing of the kind, but this is the sort of place where you forgive a few lapses.

You can haggle, too. Our room is meant to cost £210, which is excessive, but after a little persuasion we get it down to £170.

Lewinnick Lodge is feisty, fun and flexible. Let’s hope those new rooms don’t inflate prices unnecessarily. Lewinnick Lodge Pentire Headland Newquay TR7 1QD 01637 878117, lewinnicklodge.co.uk

Doubles from £155 B&B